Augusta-area charitable efforts recognized at Philanthropy Day

Wednesday

Editor's note: University Health Care Foundation was incorrectly listed as University Hospital’s Foundation in a previous version of this article. The Chronicle regrets the error.

It was a day to celebrate those who’ve gone the extra mile in their charitable works and donations.

“Philanthropy is the love of humankind,” said Ron Skenes, president of the Greater Augusta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals at the National Philanthropy Day luncheon and awards ceremony Wednesday at Augusta Country Club. “Today is a day where thousands of people come together to put that word into action.”

There were no guest speakers for the event. It was a time to mention only snippets of what the individuals, businesses and organizations had accomplished. The nominations were judged by a panel from outside the area.

Peter Knox IV, who has a history of philanthropy in Augusta, was named the outstanding philanthropist. He purchased the Miller Theater in 2005 and saved it from ruin. He donated it to the Augusta Symphony which opened it in January with a gala event. Earlier this year, Knox donated $1 million to Paine College and $1 million to the Georgia Cancer Center.

TaxSlayer received the outstanding corporation award. While it’s known at a national level for its sponsorship of events such as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the company has invested locally in organizations such as Press On, The Family Y and the Jud C. Hickey Center for Alzheimer’s Care. In 2014, TaxSlayer donated $1 million to SafeHomes of Augusta for the creation of a new shelter for abused women.

The outstanding volunteer association is the Augusta XI Chapter of Kappa Epsilon Psi, a group of female veterans and active duty service members. They’ve organized voting registration drives, served meals at the Master’s Table and volunteered at Jessye Norman School of the Arts.

Terri and Bill Jenks were named outstanding fundraising volunteers for their work with the University Health Care Foundation’s Miracle Mile Walk, which raises funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Rina Powell received the outstanding fundraiser professional award. Powell has worked at the United Way of the CSRA for 22 years and is the organization’s senior director of resource development.

Lily Bernstein, a recent graduate of Augusta Preparatory Day School, was named the outstanding youth volunteer. At Augusta Prep, Bernstein was the vice president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Augusta Chapter of the American Red Cross’s youth board, where she served as president. She also volunteered for the Golden Harvest Food Bank.

Rural Sourcing Inc. (RSI) was named outstanding local partner for its help in providing technical support services to an organization called Christmas Clearinghouse which is utilized by more than 60 non-profit organizations in the area to coordinate help not only at Christmas but throughout the year. Last year more than 8,000 children from 2,000 families received help through Christmas Clearinghouse.

La Verne Gold, who recently retired as president and chief executive officer of the United Way of the CSRA, received the Brian J. Mulherin Outstanding Community Service Award. Gold spent 40 years with the United Way.

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